“Something new, below BLA, is hatching soon,” Bar Leather Apron posted on Instagram in mid-May.
This isn’t fowl play: BirdyGo!, the new concept from the team behind Bar Leather Apron and MĀZE, is now open. BirdyGo! is located right downstairs from Bar Leather Apron (the former spot of Burgers on Bishop) in Topa Financial Center.
The business is in its soft opening and its hours are posted on Instagram. It will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. from June 25 to 27.
BirdyGo! is currently only open for takeout, but we’re told a dine-in area will be coming soon. There are tables around the corner, though, where customers can sit and enjoy their food.
The menu currently features fried chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, cauliflower nuggets and fries. No pre-orders are currently accepted; orders are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Of course, the fried chicken sandwiches are the star of the show.
“Fried chicken has always been a huge part of my life,” MĀZE head chef Ki Chung wrote in an Instagram post. “Throughout my career, it’s been one of those things I’ve constantly made for people I care about — special staff meals, birthdays, celebrations, late nights, after party events where we just wanted to cook something fun and comforting.
“I’ve wanted to open a fried chicken shop for a long time now,” he wrote. “I’ve done a couple pop-ups and events, but finally, I’m excited to share my passion with everyone.”
The fried chicken sandwich features the business’s signature fried chicken thigh dipped in house chili oil with BirdyGo! sauce, pickles and cabbage slaw. Customers can choose their spice level — no spice, mild, medium, hot or super hot. The chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
“(It’s) Nashville hot chicken meets Korean ramyun seasoning,” Chung explains in his Instagram post. “The chicken gets dipped in a scallion chili oil (with a hint of duck fat) inspired by ginger scallion sauce, then dusted with a seasoning blend inspired by Korean ramyun packets. Spicy, savory, a little nostalgic, and something I’m really excited about. The pickles and slaw are extra tart to cut the richness.”
Two- ($8.50) and four-piece ($15.50) chicken tenders are also available. Adding the signature BirdyGo! sauce or paniolo ranch ($1 each) is recommended. The Birdy Go! sauce is like a creamy, zesty Thousand Island.
Sandwiches are served a la carte, but customers can opt for BirdyGo! fries ($6.50) or crinkle-cut fries ($5). The BirdyGo! fries feature a ramyun seasoning and roasted garlic.
BirdyGo! also features two drink options—its iced tea and lemonade of the day ($6 each). During our visit, a smoky tea — lapsang souchong, lemon and mandarin — and yuzuade were offered. The latter is a tart-yet-refreshing combo of yuzu, red shiso, ume and soda.
Stay updated with the business by following along on Instagram.
“This project is meant to be fun, something casual,” Chung writes on Instagram. “It’s something we can keep evolving and improving every single day. And we will have plenty of fun items for everyone to enjoy.”
The Downtown Honolulu business offers $2 flat rate parking at Topa Financial Center for BirdyGo! customers.
CONTACT
BirdyGo!
745 Fort St. Ste. 130, Honolulu
birdygohnl.com
Instagram: @birdygohnl
Open 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (or until sold out) June 25 to 27
Open hours/dates announced on Instagram
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Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
